Beside Astrid he walked with confidence. Their simple but essential task at hand they need only arrive at their destination to begin. As they walked towards the blocked entrance Aquila began to speak, filling the air with talk about his own children's growing and proudly boasting of the lions they were becoming. Too quickly for his liking but he couldn't stop time. It's been too long since your family had a safe home up here. Today he was determined to change that. Round the last few bounds he went, eyes turning ahead to the mountains that climbed into the sky and to the belly of tunnels. One entrance ahead of them, the damage coming into view for him for the first time..._{ART — CODE}

In their walk, Astrid listened to him speak about his children. The children she had yet to meet but would gladly meet them one day. In time, just not right now. There was a determined look on her face. One of confidence that after today perhaps her family could return home once again and be safe. Tucked away from the chaos that would ensue their destruction if she kept herself involved like she had been. However, as a friend ( close ally ) to the Valour's, Astrid felt it was her duty to help them in times of war. Perhaps after today we can change that. She would comment as they got closer to the only entrance to the Caverns and the rocks that blocked her way in.

+1 make a BWP-related post
+5 Complete a BWP-related thread (10+ ic posts) 'She thinks.'

Art by sally | Table code by Zodiac

That's the goal. Besides his want to help his friend there were advantages to ensuring her success. A long lived ally, the stronger she grew the safer Aquila's family would be. It was not enough to know Astrid would have his back if asked, she has to be physically and comfortably able to do so. Holding onto her home lands, having a place for her family, were all things she deserved and all things that indirectly had plenty of benefit for Aquila.

He strided towards the collapsed entrance, paws at first moving around the smaller boulders also covered in snow and ice. Layers seemed to have melted and reformed in the cool of night. He glanced towards the sky to search for the sun for a moment. At least it's not winter. He observed and then got to work digging away the coating to free some boulders._{ART — CODE}

The goal they had set before each other was one that Astrid could work towards. To bring her family back home. Sea foam jewels watched as @Aquila would begin to dig at the other rocks on one side and so the viking woman would begin on the other side. Claws coming out of the sockets as she would begin to scrape and dig at the other side of the boulders. She took notice that each time she would dig, a rock would begin to slip or move and finally she was able to remove one by one. Aquila's words chuckled as she would nod her head. I am grateful for that. Of course she lived for the winter just not right now. 'She thinks.'

Art by sally | Table code by Zodiac

The smaller rocks made for some headway, each one that shifted under gravity or paw a means of encouragement. Which worked well because they'd need all of that they could muster for the larger rock. Around a larger rock his limbs wrapped and with a low grunt he shifted it just to his left. As it moved from the entrance a shift occurred and the rocks themselves seemed to groan back while they settled into this new configuration but shook free snow and cracked surrounding ice. The noises set Aquila on alarm but when it seemed certain they wouldn't fall onto the pair of them he finally spoke up. Well that helps a bit. A single paw poked at some cracked ice and away it shattered._{ART — CODE}

She continued working on the smaller rocks until she felt satisfied with what she saw and would help Aquila move the bigger rock. It shifted and rocks groaned which caused the viking to move back slightly. She didn't want to get caught beneath the rocks if she could manage it. Sea foam jewels glanced over towards her friend as he spoke and her wheat head would nod. It's better than it was for sure. She would admit and wonder if perhaps they could use the rock in the future. Make it look like there was no way into the caverns so no intruder's came in unwelcomed. That would be something she'd talk to Pandora about later. 'She thinks.'

Art by sally | Table code by Zodiac

He continued to work, albeit a bit more slowly now. The biggest rock of them all was still harboring itself in the way and when it came time that it was mostly all that was left Aquila paused. He looked at it, glancing around in the spaces they'd cleared and trying to figure what would be the best way for them to tackle this. I think I can wriggle through to the other side and push from there? He suggested, but an air of caution and unsureness peppering in his tones. If he could get through and couldn't get back? Whelp would be a cold few days before they figured out how to fix that. So rather than acting he waiting for Astrid to respond, maybe she'd tell him he was stupid or maybe it wasn't as dangerous as he was thinking..._{ART — CODE}

Back to work they went. Her focus was on the rocks but when it was time to really work on the boulder, Aquila suggested that he go back there and push causing the viking to shake her head. No, if anyone is going back there it'll be me. At least if I get stuck I won't freeze right away. There were pelts still in there that she could use until he came back plus Astrid knew the area much better than he did. It just made more sense. So without giving him time to argue, she would find the biggest hole and squeeze through it and get behind the boulder. Ready? 'She thinks.'

Art by sally | Table code by Zodiac

Fine. He said begrudgingly. Knowing better than to try and convince the strong willed Astrid it should be him, that'd be a futile battle. And they were losing daylight second by second so each moment of conversation would be less time to move boulders or figure out an escape plan if this failed. He waited until she wiggled herself around behind the boulder and then he stepped in close, ready to push from the side. On the count of three. He said with a nod, his shoulder to the cold surface. One. Two. He inhaled, steeled himself and grounded his claws to the cold snowy surface below. Three. And he pushed._{ART — CODE}

She heard Aquila begin to count and Astrid would put her shoulder up against the boulder as she waited for him to say three. Ears pushed back on top of her head as she would hear him count to three and began to push. Digging her claws into the ground beneath her body, sometimes slipping as she pushed but there was a nudge. Just enough to give her more motivation to push harder on her end. She was ready to be home and this was in the way. That was more motivation as well. Astrid was tired of having her family living in a place that wasn't meant for them. 'She thinks.'

Art by sally | Table code by Zodiac